Yoga.Volcanoes. Ocean. Adventure.

Azores Retreat

São Miguel, Azores, Portugal

September 4th - 10th, 2027

Where the wild Atlantic meets your wild spirit. Escape to São Miguel, Azores for 7 unforgettable days of movement, adventure, restoration, and connection in a lush volcanic paradise rising from the middle of the Atlantic.

Wake up with an energizing yoga practice before setting out to explore the island—hiking the rim of an ancient volcanic crater above the iconic blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades, chasing waterfalls through emerald landscapes, wandering through the geothermal wonderland of Furnas, and soaking where naturally heated volcanic waters meet the Atlantic Ocean. We'll even take to the sea in search of whales and dolphins.

As the day winds down, we’ll gather around the table for dinner featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients from Senhora da Rosa’s own farm and local Azorean producers. Then, unwind with time at the spa before settling into a slower evening practice designed to help you release, restore, and reconnect.

This is Mind Travel Yoga: move your body, explore somewhere extraordinary, connect with incredible humans, and leave with a little more space in your mind and a lot more life in your soul.

Modern house with a flat roof and large windows, surrounded by trees, with a body of water in the foreground reflecting the house and sky, and umbrellas along the right side.

Modern house with a flat roof and large windows, surrounded by trees, with a body of water in the foreground reflecting the house and sky, and umbrellas along the right side.

Inside a greenhouse with rows of green plants growing on each side of a narrow walkway, and a small rectangular pool of water in the foreground, all covered by a metal and glass roof.

Inside a greenhouse with rows of green plants growing on each side of a narrow walkway, and a small rectangular pool of water in the foreground, all covered by a metal and glass roof.

Spa room with two massage tables covered in brown towels, each with folded green towels, and a white hot tub near large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a green garden.

Spa room with two massage tables covered in brown towels, each with folded green towels, and a white hot tub near large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a green garden.

Group of people swimming and relaxing in a rocky coastal cove with cliffs and the ocean in the background.

Group of people swimming and relaxing in a rocky coastal cove with cliffs and the ocean in the background.

A small waterfall flows into a pool surrounded by rocks and lush green trees and plants in a forest.

A small waterfall flows into a pool surrounded by rocks and lush green trees and plants in a forest.

A whale's tail flipping out of the ocean water near a boat, with hills and clouds in the background.

A whale's tail flipping out of the ocean water near a boat, with hills and clouds in the background.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

  • Arrive • Settle In • Welcome Practice • Group Dinner

    Arrive at Senhora da Rosa, settle into island life, explore the gardens and wellness spaces, and meet your retreat community. We’ll ease into the week with a grounding welcome practice followed by our first dinner together.

  • Morning Yoga • Crater Rim Hike • Sete Cidades • Evening Practice

    Our first big adventure takes us to one of the Azores’ most iconic landscapes. Hike along the rim of the Sete Cidades volcanic caldera with sweeping views over the famous Blue and Green Lakes before returning for dinner and a restorative evening practice.

  • Morning Yoga • Whale & Dolphin Watching • Free Time • Evening Practice

    Take to the Atlantic for a professionally guided whale and dolphin watching experience. Afterward, enjoy time to explore, relax at the hotel, book a spa treatment, or simply slow down before we gather again for dinner.

  • Morning Yoga • Waterfall Adventure • Island Exploration • Evening Practice

    Journey into São Miguel’s lush interior for a day of waterfalls, forest trails, and some of the island’s dreamiest scenery. Expect a day that feels a little wild, a little muddy, and completely worth it.

  • Morning Yoga • Furnas • Geothermal Landscapes • Optional Canyoning

    Explore the volcanic heart of São Miguel in Furnas, where steaming earth, geothermal springs, and lush landscapes reveal the forces that created the island.

    For those craving an extra adventure, professionally guided canyoning may be available as an optional add-on.

  • Morning Yoga • Ponta da Ferraria • Ocean Hot Springs • Closing Celebration

    Spend our final full day along São Miguel’s dramatic coastline, including a visit to Ponta da Ferraria, where geothermal waters meet the Atlantic Ocean. Return to Senhora da Rosa for our final dinner, closing practice, and time together.

  • Final Practice • Breakfast • Departures

    One last opportunity to move, breathe, and take it all in. We’ll share breakfast before saying our goodbyes—or, as we like to think of them, see you on the next adventure.

A note about island life: Our adventure itinerary is intentionally flexible. Weather, ocean conditions, tides, and trail conditions may change the order of activities so we can make the most of what São Miguel gives us each day. As always, adventures are optional—this is your retreat, and you're always welcome to trade a hike for the spa, pool, rest, or your own island adventure.

A woman performing a handstand yoga pose outdoors against a red brick wall covered with green vines and purple flowers. She is on her forearms with her legs extended and parallel to the ground, on a sidewalk with fallen leaves.

Cost of Retreat Includes:

  • 6 nights at Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel on São Miguel Island

  • Daily wellness practices thoughtfully woven into the itinerary, including yoga, breathwork, meditation, mobility, Yin, Myofascial Release, restorative practices, and Yoga Nidra

  • Private indoor yoga space for both energizing morning practices and relaxing evening sessions

  • Daily breakfast and dinner featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and local Azorean flavors

  • Whale and dolphin watching excursion on the Atlantic

  • Sarah-led exploration and adventures throughout São Miguel, including:

    • Sete Cidades volcanic crater-rim hike

    • Waterfall hiking and island exploration

    • Furnas and São Miguel’s geothermal landscapes

    • Ponta da Ferraria, where volcanic thermal waters meet the Atlantic Ocean

  • Complimentary access to Senhora da Rosa’s wellness amenities, including the sauna, steam room, swimming pool, gym, and heated plunge pool inside the pineapple greenhouse

  • Opportunities for outdoor yoga in the hotel’s gardens and terraces, weather permitting

  • Time intentionally built into the itinerary to relax at the property, book a spa treatment, explore independently, or simply slow down

  • Opportunities to connect with fellow travelers while still having space to rest, reflect, and create your own experience

  • Pre-retreat travel guidance, carpool coordination, and group communication

  • Wi-Fi at the hotel

What’s Not Included:

  • International or domestic airfare to/from São Miguel, Azores

  • Rental cars, fuel, parking, or other personal transportation expenses

  • Airport transfers outside coordinated carpools

  • Lunches, packed lunches, and picnic baskets

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Optional professionally guided canyoning experience

  • Spa treatments, massages, and other optional wellness services

  • Optional excursions or activities outside the included retreat itinerary

  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

  • Personal expenses and souvenirs

  • Gratuities

  • Passport or visa-related expenses, if applicable

  • Additional hotel nights before or after the retreat

Retreat Schedule:

  • Arrival: Saturday, September 4, 2027

  • Departure: Friday, September 10, 2027

  • Length: 7 Days / 6 Nights

A note on transportation: Mind Travel Yoga will coordinate carpools for our planned group adventures around São Miguel. Sarah will have a rental vehicle, and guests who choose to rent their own cars will have the opportunity to join our retreat caravan. Guests are not required to rent a vehicle to attend the retreat.

A note on adventures: All adventures are optional. São Miguel’s island weather, ocean conditions, tides, and trail conditions may influence the order or location of activities. The itinerary will remain flexible so we can choose the best experience for the group each day.

 FAQs

  • Traveling to São Miguel from the United States

    Getting to the Azores is easier than you might think! ✈️🌿

    Fly into João Paulo II Airport (PDL) in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island.

    Depending on your departure city and the final September 2027 airline schedules, you may be able to fly nonstop from the U.S. to São Miguel or connect through Boston, New York/Newark, or Lisbon.

    Direct & Easy Flight Options

    ✈️ Boston (BOS) → Ponta Delgada (PDL)
    Azores Airlines/SATA operates nonstop service between Boston and São Miguel. JetBlue also partners with Azores Airlines, which can make Boston a convenient connection point for travelers coming from other U.S. cities.

    ✈️ New York/Newark → Ponta Delgada (PDL)
    Seasonal nonstop service has historically been available from the New York/Newark area, including United service from Newark. Because our retreat is in early September, we will confirm the 2027 seasonal schedule once flights are released.

    🇵🇹 Connect through Lisbon (LIS)
    Lisbon is another great option, particularly if you'd like to add a few days in mainland Portugal before or after the retreat. TAP Air Portugal offers nonstop service to Lisbon from multiple U.S. gateways, with onward connections to Ponta Delgada.

    Coming from the Washington, D.C. area?

    For my DMV travelers, I recommend comparing:

    DCA/IAD → Boston → PDL
    or
    IAD → Lisbon → PDL

    Depending on the 2027 schedule, positioning to Newark for a nonstop PDL flight may also be worth comparing.

    Want to extend your trip? Consider flying into Lisbon a few days early, exploring Portugal, and then taking the short flight out to São Miguel for the retreat.

    Flight schedules and seasonal nonstop routes can change, so specific recommended flights will be shared with the retreat group once September 2027 schedules are finalized. Please do not book airfare until your retreat registration is confirmed.

  • Part of the magic of this retreat is getting out and exploring the island!

    Sarah will rent a vehicle, and guests who choose to rent cars will have the opportunity to join our Mind Travel Yoga caravan for scheduled adventures.

    You do not need to rent a car to attend the retreat. We’ll coordinate carpools within the group so everyone has transportation for our planned adventures. Our hotel also can coordinate an airport transport.

    Having several cars also gives us flexibility—whether you want to join the group, explore somewhere independently during free time, or spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel.

    Guests arriving or departing outside coordinated carpool times may arrange an airport transfer directly through Senhora da Rosa.

  • Absolutely! Many guests join Mind Travel Yoga retreats on their own.

    Retreats are a beautiful opportunity to travel somewhere you may not otherwise visit while becoming part of a community of like-minded humans. You'll have plenty of opportunities to connect through yoga, meals, hikes, adventures, and downtime.

    If you choose a shared room and are traveling solo, we can pair you with another retreat participant when possible.

    And while there will be plenty of opportunities to connect, there is also intentionally space to rest, recharge, explore independently, or simply enjoy some alone time.

  • Absolutely!

    Come with your partner, best friend, sibling, or favorite adventure buddy. Shared accommodations are available with either one double bed or two twin beds, making it easy to travel together.

    You can experience the retreat as a pair while still being part of the larger Mind Travel Yoga community.

  • Not at all.

    Practices are designed to be adaptable for different bodies, abilities, and levels of yoga experience.

    Our mornings will generally feature a more active and energizing practice, while evenings will slow things down with practices such as Yin, Myofascial Release, restorative yoga, meditation, breathwork, and Yoga Nidra.

    You are always encouraged to listen to your body and make the practice your own.

  • This is an active yoga and adventure retreat, so you should be comfortable walking and hiking for several hours over varied terrain.

    Our signature adventure will take us along the volcanic crater rim of Sete Cidades, and other days may include waterfalls, forest trails, geothermal landscapes, and coastal terrain.

    You don't need to be an advanced hiker, but preparing with regular walking and hiking before the retreat will help you get the most out of the experience.

    Detailed information about distance, elevation, terrain, and recommended gear will be shared before the retreat.

  • No! Everything is an invitation.

    While we'll have a full itinerary of yoga and island adventures, this is still your retreat.

    If your body is asking for rest instead of a hike, stay back and enjoy the pool or spa. If you'd rather explore somewhere independently, that's okay too.

    The goal isn't to check every activity off a list. It's to create a week where you can move, explore, connect, and recharge in whatever way you need.

  • For anyone craving a little extra adrenaline, we plan to offer professionally guided canyoning as an optional add-on.

    Canyoning can involve navigating waterfalls, natural pools, rocky terrain, and rappelling with trained guides and specialized equipment.

    This experience is completely optional and will carry an additional cost. More information, including difficulty level and final pricing, will be shared before the retreat.

  • Think yoga retreat meets island hiking adventure.

    You'll want comfortable yoga clothes, hiking shoes or boots with good traction, layers, rain protection, a small hiking backpack, reusable water bottle, swimsuit, and comfortable clothing for dinners and downtime.

    A complete Azores packing list—including hiking recommendations and weather considerations—will be provided before the retreat.

    You won't need to bring a yoga mat or standard yoga props, as our private practice space at Senhora da Rosa provides mats, blocks, straps, and meditation cushions.

  • Absolutely—and I encourage it!

    You're traveling all the way to the middle of the Atlantic, so consider giving yourself additional time to explore São Miguel or another Azorean island before or after the retreat.

    Your additional accommodations, transportation, meals, and activities outside the official retreat dates are not included in the retreat price, but I'm happy to share travel ideas as we get closer.

Booking Options

  • Shared Room

    Shared Room

    Enjoy a thoughtfully designed shared room at Senhora da Rosa, Tradition & Nature Hotel, your home base for six nights of yoga, island adventures, wellness, and connection on São Miguel.

    Shared rooms are ideal for friends, partners, or solo travelers who are open to sharing space with another retreat guest.

    Each shared room has its own private ensuite bathroom, so you’ll only be sharing the bedroom and bathroom with your roommate — not with the larger group.

    Rooms may be configured with two twin beds or one double bed. If you are traveling with a friend or partner, please let me know your preferred bed configuration when booking.

    Reserve your place by January 15, 2027 to receive early-bird pricing.

    Early Bird: $2,790 per person
    Regular Price: $2,990 per person

    Early-bird pricing is available through January 15, 2027, or until the first four retreat spaces are reserved — whichever comes first.

    $777 Non-Refundable Deposit per person. Payments can be sent via Venmo @Sarah-Bayliff or PayPal.

    The remaining balance is due 60 days before the retreat, by July 6, 2027. Payment plans are available; however, the retreat must be paid in full by the final payment deadline.

    The initial deposit is non-refundable. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made on or after July 6, 2027, as accommodations, meals, yoga space, activities, and other retreat services will have been secured with our local partners.

    For cancellations made before July 6, 2027, any refund of payments beyond the non-refundable deposit will be subject to any non-refundable costs or commitments already paid on your behalf to retreat partners.

    Because unexpected circumstances can arise, travel insurance is strongly recommended, including coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, travel delays, and other covered circumstances.

    Thank you for understanding that these policies allow Mind Travel Yoga to honor the financial commitments required to secure the accommodations, meals, yoga space, experiences, and local partners supporting our adventure.

    If you're traveling solo, roommate matching will be available. I'll do my best to thoughtfully pair guests based on preferences and travel style; however, specific roommate pairings cannot be guaranteed

    RESERVE NOW!
  • Private Room

    Private Room

    Enjoy the retreat experience with the added luxury of having your own private room and ensuite bathroom at Senhora da Rosa.

    Private accommodations are ideal for guests who want to fully immerse themselves in the community, yoga, and adventures throughout the day while having their own quiet space to recharge each evening.

    Your private room includes the same retreat experience, meals, wellness practices, adventures, and hotel amenities as shared accommodations — with the added comfort and privacy of having the room entirely to yourself.

    Private rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Reserve your place by January 15, 2027 to receive early-bird pricing.

    Early Bird: $3,790 per person
    Regular Price: $3,990 per person

    Early-bird pricing is available through January 15, 2027, or until the first four early-bird retreat spaces are reserved — whichever comes first.

    $777 Non-Refundable Deposit per person. Payments can be sent via Venmo @Sarah-Bayliff or PayPal.

    The remaining balance is due 60 days before the retreat, by July 6, 2027. Payment plans are available; however, the retreat must be paid in full by the final payment deadline.

    The initial deposit is non-refundable. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made on or after July 6, 2027, as accommodations, meals, yoga space, activities, and other retreat services will have been secured with our local partners.

    For cancellations made before July 6, 2027, any refund of payments beyond the non-refundable deposit will be subject to any non-refundable costs or commitments already paid on your behalf to retreat partners.

    Because unexpected circumstances can arise, travel insurance is strongly recommended, including coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, evacuation, travel delays, and other covered circumstances.

    Thank you for understanding that these policies allow Mind Travel Yoga to honor the financial commitments required to secure the accommodations, meals, yoga space, experiences, and local partners supporting our adventure.

    RESERVE NOW!

Testimonials

  • A woman sitting on rocks next to a stream with a mountain in the background, partially covered by clouds and fog, in a wilderness area.

    KT

    Whether you’re looking to slow down or explore, this retreat has everything you need. Sarah’s leadership and energy are so loving, grounded, and dynamic. The yoga is accessible for all levels, and the adventures she curates take you off the beaten path in the most magical, local way. It’s truly so much more than yoga and the people Sarah attracts are spirited, fun, and deeply kind. If you’re considering it, just go. It’s an experience that stays with you.

  • A smiling woman in a white hoodie and gray leggings crouches on the grass near a body of water, with hills and cloudy sky in the background.

    Claire

    It is 100% worth it, the experience was one I will take with me for years and the community aspect was a great reminder of how important it is in one’s life. I learned a lot from many different people and felt connected to myself and others through our shared interest in yoga. Also the planning was great and it was a no stress event which in my experience does not happen often.

  • A woman smiling and lying on a rocky trail on a hillside with green grass, holding her arm out as if to show the scenic view of mountains, water, and a partly cloudy sky with the sun shining.

    Sara

    Sarah makes sure that you feel included which is one of the key ingredients in a large group and she also encourages you to be better and to explore new strengths. Having a great retreat leader brings any group together. With people around you that share the same goals, the connections are easy.

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